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Designing Programs to Increase Women’s Participation in Local Government

Authored by: Jessica Gomez

Categories: Statebuilding
Sub-Categories: Democratization and Political Participation, Political Transitions
Country: Rwanda
Region: Sub-Saharan Africa
Year: 2008
Citation: Gomez, Jessica. Designing Programs to Increase Women's Participation in Local Government. Washington, DC: Inclusive Security, 2008.

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Abstract

Devolving authority from central to local government offers a critical opportunity to ensure wider representation and improve post-conflict democracy. When elected, female officials in particular can enhance the legitimacy of local government, improve service delivery, and facilitate communication with the local population. Yet too often women are not given the information, training, and support necessary to run successfully for office. Part of a series that builds on a three-year field program on the role of women in Rwanda, this policy brief provides policymakers, donors, and program planners with strategies for the consolidation of democracy in post-conflict societies.